(Re)writing History in Byzantium: A Critical Study of Collections

In this review of (Re)writing History in Byzantium, the reviewer finds a tightly focused scholarly study aimed at readers interested in Byzantine historiography and textual transmission. The book's single biggest reason to buy is its careful combination of codicological, literary and political analysis that treats minor collections of historical excerpts as coherent literary artifacts rather than mere sourcebooks. Readers who want a critical, evidence-based account of how excerpt collections functioned in Byzantine culture will find this work especially useful.

Key Features

• Focused case studies: The book examines several understudied collections, offering detailed readings of the Epitome of the Seventh Century and three Excerpta traditions to illuminate their distinct editorial methods.
• Redaction analysis: Close attention to method of redaction shows how compilers selected and reorganized material, which helps trace editorial intent and textual transmission.
• Literary structure: The study maps the internal organization of excerpt collections, explaining how structure shapes meaning and reader expectations.
• Cultural and political context: By situating excerpts within Byzantine intellectual life, the author links the production of knowledge to contemporary power dynamics and patronage.
• Interdisciplinary approach: Combining codicology, literary criticism, and political history provides a rounded perspective that benefits specialists and advanced students alike.

Who It's For

This book is best for scholars, graduate students, and advanced undergraduates working in Byzantine studies, medieval historiography, manuscript studies, and textual criticism who need a focused, research-led treatment of excerpt collections. It will also serve historians interested in how knowledge and authority were constructed in Byzantine intellectual culture.

Those seeking a general survey of Byzantine history, an introductory textbook, or a broad political narrative should look elsewhere; the prose assumes some prior familiarity with manuscript terminology and historiographical debates.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Provides detailed analysis of otherwise neglected excerpt collections, filling a gap in Byzantine scholarship.
• Interdisciplinary method links codicological evidence with literary and political interpretation, offering fresh insights into editorial practice.
• Clear focus on method of redaction and literary structure helps specialists reconstruct compiler strategies.

Cons

• The concentration on minor collections and technical analysis makes it less accessible for general readers or beginners.

Specifications

Our Verdict

For specialists and postgraduate students, this book is a strong and well-argued contribution that reframes minor excerpt collections as significant literary and political artifacts. Its interdisciplinary method justifies close study and makes it good value for researchers who need a targeted, evidence-driven account of Byzantine editorial practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book cover major Byzantine chronicles?
No, the study focuses on minor collections of historical excerpts rather than full chronicles, examining their redaction and function.

Is it suitable for undergraduates?
Advanced undergraduates with coursework in Byzantine studies may benefit, but beginners should supplement it with more general introductions.

What methods does the author use?
The author combines codicological examination, literary-structural analysis, and political contextualization to interpret the collections.